Question

How many of the following characteristics are correct with respect to the host infected by a parasite?

I. Reduced survival
II. Enhanced growth
III. Reduced reproductive capacity
IV. Increases population density
V. May be more vulnerable to predation

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer 1

The correct option is B 3

Parasitism is a type of population interaction between two living species in which one organism (the parasite) lives on and derives nutrition from another specific organism (the host).

Parasites harm their hosts because it relies on the host's body and body functions, such as digestion or blood circulation, to grow and reproduce. This in turn reduces the growth and reproductive capacity of the host, which may lead to decline in population density. This could be due to less availability of resources for the host.
Some parasites live inside such as the intestine parasite Ascaris which causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, etc. Thus the parasite makes the host physically weak, making them more vulnerable to predation.

Therefore, when a parasite attacks the host, it

• reduces the survival of host
• reduces the growth of host
• reduces reproductive capacity of host
• reduces population density of host
• may render the host more vulnerable to predation